Mortensen optioned, Marshall brought up

A relatively slow news day on the A’s front. But as expected, the team optioned pitcher Clayton Mortensen, who started Saturday, to Sacramento and brought up lefty reliever Jay Marshall. Marshall has only pitched in Sacramento this season as he compiled a 5-3 record with seven saves and a 3.20 ERA in 50 appearances. He’s struggled a bit as of late, but manager Bob Geren likes having another lefty out of the bullpen to go with Craig Breslow.

Kurt Suzuki starts today, but Geren said he’ll give the catcher a day off in the Baltimore series, likely Wednesday so he can have two consecutive days off.

Mark Ellis also gets the day off, only his second since he returned from the DL in late June. Adam Kennedy starts at second and Bobby Crosby is at third. Geren said he hasn’t looked at whether Nomar Garciaparra will start in Baltimore, but the chances may be lessened with the Orioles starting three righties.

Dallas Braden is still scheduled to throw a side session Monday or Tuesday. From there, if things go well, he’ll throw an inning or two in Sacramento or Stockton, or maybe another side. Braden is eligible to come off the DL on Aug. 16, but his first start may come on the 17th against the Yankees, Geren said.